My First Exclusive Maid
Karin, one of the exclusive maids serving Victor.
That morning, she received a summons from the head maid.
Feeling anxious, Karin headed to the head maid's room.
But it turned out to be unexpectedly good news.
This morning, when I arrived at the castle for work, I got called in by the head maid.
The head maid is usually very kind, but she's strict when it comes to the qualities and discipline expected of servants in an earl's household.
I racked my brain reviewing yesterday's duties, wondering if I'd messed up somewhere, as I made my way to her room.
This is Crystal Bay City, the capital of the Togo Earldom.
The earl's residence castle, Crystal Bay Castle.
I serve as an exclusive maid to Master Victor, the heir to the earl's house.
I knocked on the door to the head maid's room.
"It's Karin."
"Come in, Karin."
"Pardon the intrusion."
When I entered the head maid's room, along with her were Walzars, Master Victor's butler, and a military officer whose face I recognized.
Walzars is here too... This feels heavy.
"Did you need something?"
"It's good news for you, Karin."
The head maid smiled warmly.
"Let her hear it too."
The head maid prompted the officer to speak.
"Yes, Lady Karin, it's about the young master and his first campaign."
"Is something wrong with Master Victor?"
"No, the young master is safe and sound."
"Thank goodness."
"The landing on Halzy Main Island was carried out recently, and the young master participated as part of the landing force."
"What? Master Victor joined the landing battle?"
The head maid's a liar—this isn't good news at all. Even I, who knows nothing about war, understands that nobles don't usually take part in dangerous landings like that.
"Yes, there he saw through the enemy's trap and turned the friendly landing into a resounding success. It was a major accomplishment."
"Master Victor is safe, right?"
"Yes, of course. And thanks to his feat sparking the momentum, our forces achieved a great victory."
"Does that mean the war is over?"
"Yes, the Halzy rebels have been annihilated. You can consider the war with them concluded."
"Oh, thank goodness."
"The young master is currently staying in Halzy Port City. He can't return for a while due to postwar matters."
"I see..."
"That's why he asked me to pass a message to you, Lady Karin. He didn't have time to write a letter."
"Really? What did Master Victor say?"
"Yes. He said you're a worrier, so rest assured he's fine, and that he wants to see you soon too."
"Ah, Master Victor... Thank you."
Recalling Master Victor's kind smile, my heart swelled.
Then Walzars spoke up.
"Karin, the officer is heading back to Halzy Port City tomorrow."
"Yes."
"He's kindly offered to take a letter to the young master for you."
"Oh, thank you so much!"
"That's the situation, Karin. Can you prepare something by this evening?"
The head maid asked me.
"Of course! I'll write a letter to Master Victor right away!"
"Very well. You're dismissed, Karin."
"Yes!"
Master Victor being safe was the greatest relief, but even more, he'd thought of me amid what must have been a dangerous battlefield. I was truly happy. I wonder if he'll hold me tight again when he returns.
On my way back to work from the head maid's room, I remembered that day.
That day, it was my turn to clean Master Victor's room.
After lunch, Master Victor returned to his private chambers where I was cleaning, confirmed I was at work, and stepped out to the balcony for a smoke.
He's always like that—mindful not to get in the maids' way.
Apparently, it's rare for a noble; usually, they complain to hurry up and finish.
I want to finish quickly too, but I know Master Victor prefers thorough work over speed.
So I've gotten good at being efficient yet meticulous.
This day, I finished most of the cleaning without keeping him waiting too long, so I peeked at him smoking on the balcony.
Master Victor seemed different that day, lost in thought.
I decided to prepare tea. He always wants tea with his smokes when pondering.
I prepared the tea and brought the cup on its saucer to the balcony.
"Master Victor, would you like some tea?"
"Ah, Karin, thanks. You're so thoughtful."
Master Victor remembers my name—a great honor, really.
But it stems from that incident I caused, which he handled so well.
It's a complicated way to have one's name remembered.
Still, I'm deeply grateful to him for it.
That's why, two years ago when they recruited more exclusive maids, I volunteered—to repay that kindness.
"Master Victor... um, are you thinking about something?"
"Yeah, I've got my first campaign the day after tomorrow."
"Ah! I'm sorry, that was presumptuous of me."
"Don't worry about it, Karin. I'm glad today's cleaning duty was you."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Karin, prepare another cup of tea."
"Yes."
I prepared another cup and brought it to the balcony.
"Karin, have a seat."
"Ah, yes."
Master Victor occasionally chats casually over tea with a few specific exclusive maids.
I'm one of them—a huge honor, since it's strictly forbidden otherwise.
"Karin, to be direct—say no if you don't want to."
"Understood, Master Victor."
"I want you, Karin. I want to make you mine."
"Master Victor!?"
"I'm shipping out for my first battle the day after tomorrow. I plan to come back alive, but I need something— a reason I won't give up on, no matter what."
"How does... wanting me relate to that?"
"Isn't having a woman you love reason enough?"
"Ah, Master Victor, that's too grand for someone like me..."
"Karin, this isn't a whim. I've liked you for a while now. Your work ethic, your attentiveness, your charming smile—they're all so comforting."
"Master Victor..."
Overwhelmed with joy and embarrassment, I covered my face with both hands.
"So if you've got a man picked out, I won't interfere. A woman like you deserves true happiness."
How incredibly kind he is.
I have to tell him clearly, or I'll regret it. More than that, I have to face his resolve.
"Master Victor... Ever since that incident, I've admired you so much, for so long."
"Since then? You've seen me as your man since that day?"
"Yes!"
I answered firmly—because it's the honest truth.
Master Victor stood, flashing his gentle smile.
"Karin, stand up."
"Yes."
The moment I did, he pulled me close and covered my lips with his.
It was bliss. I clung to Master Victor, kissing him desperately.
Tears of joy wouldn't stop. I wished that moment could last forever.
A message from Victor on the battlefield.
Karin rejoices at his concern,
and recalls the day they became one.
Another page in continental history turns (lol)